Symbols and Meanings

Lions, emblems of valour, energy, and wisdom, were embroidered on the court robes of second rank military officials. While lions were not found in China, they were imported as gifts to the Chinese emperor. [3] The lion depicted on the robe is playing with a colourful ball, which indicates high status in a Chinese context. Lion is also one of the four animals representing power and energy (the other three are tiger, leopard, and elephant).

In Buddhism, a lion was viewed as a “defender of law and protector of sacred buildings.” [4]

From the appearance of these lanterns, we can assume that the lanterns celebrate a plentiful grain harvest (五穀豐燈 : Lantern for a plentiful grain harvest) or a very happy occasion (吉慶豐燈 : Lantern for a very happy occasion).

Lanterns, an important part of Chinese social and religious life, were lit to celebrate good fortune and symbolize fertility. [5] They appear in various forms such as circular, square, oblong, or in the shape of animals.

In Buddhism, light generally stands for knowledge and illumination. [6] Lanterns are used to worship the Buddha, lit on the day the Buddha’s body has been cremated (Chinese Lantern Festival) [7] and lit before making vows in a temple. [8]

In a Chinese context, lotuses symbolize “continuous harmony” as the Chinese word for lotus, 蓮 (lián), and the pronunciation of the words “continues” and “harmony,” 連 (lián), are similar. It is also an emblem of summer and fruitfulness, often employed in Chinese paintings, architecture, and embroideries. [9]

Lotuses, primarily associated with Buddhism, symbolize purity, renunciation, and enlightenment. Thus, the Buddha is often illustrated as sitting on a lotus seat. This flower is also used as the emblem of Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of the Western Pure Land. [10]

In Chinese culture, these symbols of prosperity, also known as the “100 Antiques,” [11] include objects such as sacrificial vessels, flowers, animals, small-decorative motifs, etc. [12] Represented in the Embroidered Silk Buddhist Priest Robe are water pots, treasure vases, incense burners, jars, and peonies.

In Buddhism, a set of auspicious emblems known as the Eight Treasures [13] are believed to possess a charm. [14] Represented in the Embroidered Silk Buddhist Priest Robe are lotuses, endless and/or mystic knot, wheel of law, parasol/umbrella, jars, and stone chimes. [15]

a. Phoenix: Deeply rooted in Chinese culture, a phoenix is endowed with benevolence, perfect beauty, and goodness. [16] The etymology of phoenix implies that it is the Emperor of all birds. [17]

Phoenix representation in Buddhism borrows its meanings from its Chinese origin, symbolizing peace and prosperity. Phoenixes in Chinese and Buddhist cultures are believed to only appear in blessed places. [18]

b. White Elephant: Elephants in Chinese culture symbolize strength and prudence. Elephant is also one of the four animals representing power and energy (the other three are tiger, leopard, and lion). [19]

In Buddhism, an elephant, considered the holiest of beasts, is a sacred animal often depicted as offering flowers to the Buddha. It is said that the Buddha entered the right side of his immaculate mother Maya in the form of a white elephant. [20] Elephants also symbolize the unlimited capabilities and power of the Buddha in his miraculous aspiration, effort, intention, and analysis. [21]

c. Fish: Fish are an emblem of wealth and abundance in the Chinese context as the Chinese word for fish, 魚 (yú), sounds similar to the word meaning abundance, 裕 (yù). [22] The fish depicted in the Embroidered Silk Buddhist Priest Robe shows a carp jumping out of the ocean, corresponding to a Chinese saying, 鯉魚躍龍門, a carp jumped through the gate and became a dragon. This design signifies the promotion of an individual to a high class. [23]

Fish, or golden fish in Buddhism, are believed to radiate blessings and symbolize release due to their ability to freely move in the water. [24] The fish observed on the Embroidered Silk Buddhist Priest Robe is, however, not a gold fish but a carp, bestowing the symbol more of a Chinese rather than Buddhist character.

d. Jade Dragons: Dragons in Chinese culture are emblems of vigilance and safeguard. Symbolizing power, creativity, heaven, and good fortune, they are thought to have authority over water, rain, floods, and storms. [25] Dragons depicted in the Embroidered Silk Buddhist Priest Robe are long, likely one of three chief species of dragons said to be the most powerful and thought to inhabit the sky. [26]

Dragons have been part of Chinese culture since ancient times, and Chinese Buddhist artists adopted the dragon as a symbol of enlightenment. Dragons often decorate roofs and gates of temples as guardians and symbols of clarity. [27]

Specifically Buddhist, Four Guardian Kings or Heavenly Kings are the guardians of the four cardinal directions (north, east, south, and west), protecting the world from demons and evil spirits. Usually, each Guardian King stands on an evil demon’s prostrated body, gigantic in size and carrying weapons. The ferocious facial expressions and exaggerated muscles on their bodies are to scare off evil spirits. Situated at the entrance of Buddhist temples or depicted on garments of the monks and priests, the four Guardian Kings protect Buddhist deities, monks, and devotees of Buddhist sanctuaries. [28]